Easy Ravioli Sauce

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious way to elevate your pasta dishes, you’ve come to the right place! This Easy Ravioli Sauce is a family favorite in my home. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. Plus, it only takes about 30 minutes to whip up, so you can enjoy a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re tossing it over ravioli or drizzling it on other pasta varieties, this sauce is sure to impress. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe at the top of your list!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This sauce comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic evenings.
• Creamy and Flavorful: The blend of tomatoes and cream creates a rich and satisfying flavor that everyone will love.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this comforting dish; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
• Versatile: Use it not just for ravioli but any kind of pasta or even as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this sauce ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy for this recipe! Just some simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you need to create this delightful Easy Ravioli Sauce:

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion (finely diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/3 cup tomato paste
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup heavy cream

Variations

One of the best things about this Easy Ravioli Sauce is its flexibility! Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add some greens: Toss in fresh spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your sauce.
• Swap the cream: Use coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative that still tastes amazing!
• Incorporate vegetables: Sauté mushrooms or bell peppers along with the onions for extra flavor and texture.

How to Make Easy Ravioli Sauce

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onions and minced garlic. Cook them together for about 4-5 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent. This step is key because sautéing brings out their natural sweetness, setting a flavorful foundation for your sauce.

Step 2: Add Tomato Paste

Now it’s time to add in the tomato paste. Stir it into the onion-garlic mixture and let it cook for about 1 minute. This helps deepen the tomato flavor, giving your Easy Ravioli Sauce that rich taste we all crave.

Step 3: Build Your Sauce

Pour in the chicken stock, diced tomatoes, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. This simmering magic allows all those flavors to meld beautifully!

Step 4: Cream It Up

Stir in the heavy cream and allow it to cook for an additional 2 minutes. The cream adds richness and balances out the acidity from the tomatoes, creating that luscious texture we adore.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Your Easy Ravioli Sauce is ready! Serve it over cooked ravioli or any pasta of your choice. Each bite will be filled with warmth and comfort—perfect for making memories around the dinner table! Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Ravioli Sauce

Creating a delicious sauce is all about the little details! Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Easy Ravioli Sauce turns out perfectly every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh onions and garlic can significantly enhance the flavor of your sauce. They provide a depth that dried or jarred alternatives cannot match.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone has different preferences when it comes to salt and spice. Don’t hesitate to taste your sauce as it cooks and adjust the seasonings according to your liking.

• Let it simmer longer: If you have extra time, allowing your sauce to simmer for a bit longer can deepen the flavors even more, making it richer and more satisfying.

• Experiment with herbs: While Italian seasoning works beautifully, feel free to add fresh basil or oregano for an added burst of freshness. This can elevate your sauce to another level.

• Make it ahead of time: This sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Making it ahead allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it even tastier when you’re ready to serve!

How to Serve Easy Ravioli Sauce

Serving your Easy Ravioli Sauce is just as important as making it! Here are some delightful ways to present this dish that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil: A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil on top adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the sauce.

• Grated Parmesan cheese: While you might want to avoid traditional cheese, consider using a plant-based grated alternative for that cheesy finish without any animal-derived ingredients.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser!

• Mixed green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy ravioli sauce.

• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots not only add color but also provide a healthy side full of nutrients that pair wonderfully with pasta dishes.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to create a comforting meal that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

This easy ravioli sauce is perfect for meal prep! You can whip it up in advance and store it for later, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• If you’re using glass containers, make sure they’re tempered to avoid breakage when storing hot liquids.

Freezing

• Allow the sauce to cool down, then pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or use the microwave on a low setting.
• Heat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• If the sauce is too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken stock or water to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious ravioli sauce!

Can I use this Easy Ravioli Sauce for other pasta dishes?

Absolutely! This easy ravioli sauce pairs well with any pasta. Try it with fettuccine, penne, or even gnocchi for a delightful twist.

How long does Easy Ravioli Sauce last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, easy ravioli sauce can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Just be sure to check for freshness before using!

Can I make this Easy Ravioli Sauce dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative like cashew cream for a creamy texture without dairy.

What can I serve with Easy Ravioli Sauce?

This sauce is versatile! Serve it over ravioli, of course, but it’s also great with garlic bread and a fresh salad on the side.

Is it possible to make this sauce vegetarian?

Certainly! Replace chicken stock with vegetable stock to make this easy ravioli sauce vegetarian-friendly while maintaining its rich flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this easy ravioli sauce as much as I do! Its creamy texture and robust flavors will surely impress your family and friends. Whether you’re having a cozy dinner at home or entertaining guests, this recipe has got you covered. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your delicious results!